Keeping food and water safe

Food and water can be unsafe when exposed to germs and can make you sick. Keeping food and water safe and hygienic will help prevent diseases and keep you healthy.

The following actions are critical to keeping food and water safe:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and clean, running water (before preparing food, after visiting the toilet, after changing babies’ nappies and after touching anything that is not clean).
• Use containers with narrow openings or spouts to protect collected water from germs and bacteria during household storage.
• Keep food and water covered to protect from contamination by flies and germs.
• Use a clean jug with a handle to scoop water out of the water storage container.
• Store food under cool temperatures to prevent spoiling and ensure safety for the longest time.
• Boil water collected from untreated water sources for at least 3 minutes before use.
• Use boiled water to cook and wash food as well as pots, pans and spoons or other things you use for eating.
• Cook food thoroughly.
• Keep raw and cooked food separately and defrost meat properly before cooking.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with clean and safe water before eating or cooking.

Give babies under 6 months breastmilk ONLY. It is the most nutritious food for children and the best way to protect them from illness and disease.